BLACKCURRANTS

Our real passion is blackcurrants: we grow blackcurrant plants in 6 hectares and we have more than 70 hectares of blackcurrant berries fields. We are sure that blackcurrants is superfood for humans well-being and health. Here is why:

Blackcurrants have been rumoured to have medical benefits for centuries. Traditional healers used them for conditions such as arthritis, liver disease, kidney stones, gout, inflammation of the mouth, stomach and bowel disorders, lung ailments, fatigue, and as a diuretic. But it’s only in recent decades that scientists have begun to seriously investigate the healing and protective powers of this remarkable berry. Our ancestors were definitely on to something – the health benefits of blackcurrants are now being confirmed by solid scientific evidence.

Antioxidants & anthocyanins

One of the beneficial effects of eating blackcurrants is their antioxidant activity against conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and the degenerative diseases of ageing. The main antioxidant compounds present in blackcurrants are phenolics (including flavonoids and anthocyanins) and vitamin C.

The purple/black color of blackcurrants indicates the presence of the anthocyanins, which have exceptionally strong antioxidant activity as well as other health-promoting qualities. Research shows that blackcurrants rank significantly higher in levels of antioxidant activity than other fruits.

What scientists know about blackcurrants?

It’s the unusually high anthocyanin content of blackcurrants that sets them apart. Anthocyanin has been shown to reduce the effects of asthmatic lung inflammation, as well as lessening muscle damage and assisting immune responses during exercise.

International researchers have also found blackcurrants ‘can improve eyesight focus, help adapt eyes to darkness, improve blood circulation to limbs during cold weather, and keep people thinking sharply when making decisions under stress.

The seeds of the berry carry special benefits too. Blackcurrant seed oil is rich in y-linolenic acid (GLA), and is used as a health supplement in Europe and the USA. Why take supplement if You can have all berry?

What more benefits?

  • Anti-inflammatory Effects
    Anthocyanins are a class of polyphenols predominantly found in blackcurrants, which actively fight inflammation. Inflammation may cause heart, liver, and kidney diseases. It may also induce arthritis, urinary tract infections, and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, etc.).

  • Boost Kidney Health
    The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of blackcurrants prevent chronic kidney disorders. They protect your excretory system from inflammation and infections. The extracts also inhibit the formation of kidney stones. Blackcurrant berries or juice makes your urine more alkaline (increases its pH). It also promotes the excretion of excess citric acid and oxalic acid from your body. If not, these two acids can react to form kidney stones when left to pile up.

  • Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels
    High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol elevate the risk of cardiovascular, liver, and other metabolic disorders. Research shows that diets rich in anthocyanins cause a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL levels. They also increase serum HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Animal studies with blackcurrant extracts are supporting evidence to this effect.

  • Have Antidiabetic Effects
    Blackcurrant has anthocyanins like cyanidin 3-rutinoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, and peonidin 3-rutinoside. When consumed in fair amounts, these phytochemicals improve insulin sensitivity, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

  • Help Manage Eye Disorders
    The blackcurrant anthocyanins improve the functions of your eyes/vision. These molecules increase the blood flow in the optical nerves and eyes. Regular consumption of blackcurrants decelerates the loss of vision or related symptoms in patients with glaucoma.

  • Protect Your Brain
    Like vitamin C, blackcurrants inhibit lipid peroxidation in your body. Experimental studies report about 65% inhibition, thanks to its antioxidant capacity. This activity is most beneficial in protecting your central nervous system. In the absence of this effect, free radicals accumulate in your system. Free radicals are known to trigger neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. Usually, the accumulation of free radicals leads to inflammation of the brain cells (neurons). Blackcurrants reduce neuroinflammation because they contain anti-inflammatory molecules. A cumulative effect of these properties causes improved memory, learning, and cognitive abilities.

  • Repair and nourish skin
    Various skin diseases arise due to inflammation, infections, or aging. They leave you with dry skin, lesions, itching, redness, scabs, etc. Atopic dermatitis is an example of a serious skin condition seen in children and adults. Your skin would need intense repairing and conditioning in such cases. Clinical studies discovered a specific polysaccharide in blackcurrants that exerts anti-inflammatory effects. This molecule controls the production of inflammatory compounds by your immune system. Blackcurrant seeds contain good amounts of fatty acids, like linolenic acid. Their oil suppresses the inflammation mediators in your skin. So, blackcurrants and the seed oil can nourish and nurse your skin to health without any side effects.